Cognitive robotics views animal cognition as a starting point for the development of robotic information processing, as opposed to more traditional [[Artificial Intelligence]] techniques. Target robotic cognitive capabilities include perception processing, attention allocation, [[anticipation (artificial intelligence)|anticipation]], planning, complex motor coordination, reasoning about other agents and perhaps even about their own mental states. Robotic cognition embodies the behavior of [[intelligent agent]]s in the physical world (or a virtual world, in the case of simulated cognitive robotics). Ultimately the robot must be able to act in the real world.
These cognitive robots can be used for cognitive therapy or to provide companionship to elderly to ease their daily living. <ref>{{Cite journal|last=Alnajjar|first=Fady|last2=Khalid|first2=Sumayya|last3=Vogan|first3=Alistair A.|last4=Shimoda|first4=Shingo|last5=Nouchi|first5=Rui|last6=Kawashima|first6=Ryuta|date=2019-10-24|title=Emerging Cognitive Intervention Technologies to Meet the Needs of an Aging Population: A Systematic Review|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2019.00291|journal=Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience|volume=11|doi=10.3389/fnagi.2019.00291|issn=1663-4365}}</ref> The smarter the robot, the more effcient it is.. The can monitor and assist in carrying out cognitive therapies, while constantly learning about the preferences, scores and analyzing the data to predict any abnormal behavior. <ref>{{Cite journal|last=Vogan|first=Alistair A.|last2=Alnajjar|first2=Fady|last3=Gochoo|first3=Munkhjargal|last4=Khalid|first4=Sumayya|date=2020|title=Robots, AI, and Cognitive Training in an Era of Mass Age-Related Cognitive Decline: A Systematic Review|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1109/access.2020.2966819|journal=IEEE Access|volume=8|pages=18284–18304|doi=10.1109/access.2020.2966819|issn=2169-3536}}</ref>These robots can be shaped as humanoid robots, or as animal robots to give the illusion and happiness of a pet sans the care. This helps the elderly or people living alone with a sense of companionship and reduces depression and anxiety.
